Tuesday, November 16, 2010

daily text 11/16

The three faithful Hebrews who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold did not presume that Jehovah would miraculously protect them from physical harm. (Daniel 3:17, 18) As matters turned out, Jehovah did deliver them from the flames of the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:21-27) Even in Bible times, however, miraculous deliverance was the exception rather than the rule. Many faithful servants of Jehovah died at the hands of opposers. (Hebrews 11:35-37) Can we definitely say whether Jehovah did or did not intervene in specific cases today? No. Still, an individual who has escaped a dangerous situation may feel that Jehovah intervened. It would be presumptuous for others to take issue with his feeling. At the same time, we must realistically acknowledge that many faithful Christians have died as a result of persecution or other tragic circumstances.(Watchtower issue: 9/15/08, 2:8, 9)